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The wars caught up to Lawler

Having been through so many wars over the past two years with the likes of Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit, one of the big questions heading into UFC 201 was whether they would catch up to the champion Robbie Lawler.

On the evidence we saw last night, they obviously had because Robbie Lawler didn't look himself. The shot Woodley threw to knock Lawler out was accurate and vicious but even before that, Lawler appeared tentative at not at the races.

Speaking after Lawler seemed to want to get back in there quickly but perhaps the wiser thing to do would be to take some time off from training.

Woodley deserves the belt

Many were sceptical about whether Tyron Woodley deserved his shot at the belt last night but he answered all of his critics emphatically. Despite having over eighteen months out of action, Woodley looked as if he hadn't missed a beat and it took only two minutes and twelve seconds for him to get the job done.

Woodley achieved what only one other man had done before - he knocked out Robbie Lawler and he did it in truly amazing fashion. After waiting so patiently for his shot it has to be said that Woodley deserves to hold the title.

Kowalkiewicz is the real deal at 115lbs

Karolina Kowalkiewicz shares many similarities to her fellow Pole Joanna Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Not only is her last name ridiculously hard to both say and spell but she is also an outstanding fighter with a strong all round game. She proved last night at UFC 201 she had a good variety of striking while she also boasts good takedown defence and works well in the clinch.

Her win last night has now likely sets up a massive all-Polish affair with Jędrzejczyk for the UFC strawweight title later this year. It could well be Poland's biggest fight of all time.

Namajunas messed with a winning formula

Namajunas takes down Kowalkiewicz (Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty)

Rose Namajunas committed a cardinal sin last night - she messed with a winning formula. It's likely we will never know the full story as to why her boyfriend and coach Pat Barry wasn't in her corner last night but in hindsight, his cheerleading and incessant instruction shouting from the sidelines could've helped as the fight wore on and Rose faded.

Lets be clear, Namajunas didn't lose the fight just because Barry wasn't there, but it's worked for her in the past so why change it?

Ellenberger isn't done

If you thought 'The Juggernaut's days were up, think again. Jake Ellenberger walked into the fight with Matt Brown last evening a sizeable +300 underdog and one of the biggest on the card.

Ellenberger came out the traps flying though and it took him just 5 seconds to knock Brown with a massive punch. Brown somehow recovered but not for long. Ellenberger was right back at him with a vicious kick to the liver to get the win and the shock upset.

Ellenberger looked a man down and out heading into the fight but with just one win he is right back in the mix.

Pearson needs some time off

Pearson is hit hard by Masvidal (Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty)

Ross Pearson has been one busy man this year. Last night was his fourth fight of the year and unfortunately for him, it was his third loss out of those four. All of those losses for Pearson have come by way of decision which ultimately means his style isn't impressing the judges.

Pearson was brave last evening but he needs to have a long hard think about what changes he can make in his game to get back to winning ways. Having had two fights in the month of July he's certainly earned the time off to do that.

Masvidal kicks Pearson (Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty)

UFC 202 is next and it will be big

UFC 201 had some good fights, some big knockouts and a new UFC champion... but let's be honest, by the time UFC 202 rolls around with Conor McGregor taking on Nate Diaz in a rematch it's likely it will all be forgotten. Bring on UFC 202 on August 20th.